Category Archives: General

Oakley Prizm Snow Goggle Lens

Oakley is renowned for their excellent technological heritage, extensive range, and high performance eyewear. Looking for a new snow goggle for this season? Consider the Oakley snow goggles which boast their new Prizm lens technology.

Prizm lenses are sport specific and work by dampening interfering light spectrums, as well as reducing the overall amount of total light. The result? Contours become clearer and sharper. Prizm technology is used across a wide variety of the Oakley sport specific glasses and goggles, the light spectrum is altered according to the sport in question.

Sound complicated? That’s because it is, hence 15 years of staged technological developments; the culmination being the 2014 release of Prizm. Take the white light which the slope reflects as an example. White light combines equal parts of the colour spectrum, yet our eye is particularly sensitive to the blue and orange light. Prizm filters the blue and orange light, enhancing them and thus ensuring that the rugged beauty of the slope is clearer; fantastic news for every skier/snowboarder. With Prizm technology, by tackling low-lighting and the dangers inherent in the natural contours of the mountainside, your reactions increase with your visual confidence ensuring that you become a safer and more effective rider.

Prizm ensures that the practical benefits of wearing goggles are maintained with the additional benefit of excellent vision. And if these are not factors which entice you, Prizm lenses are proven to reduce eye fatigue ensuring you are able to ski/snowboard as long as you want.

These lenses will revolutionise your experience on the slopes, as well as reinforcing Oakley’s brand reputation. Prizm means clarity, no fatigue, and photographic visuals which will keep you coming back to the snow for more. Oakley has conquered a 15 year struggle, finessing the untameable light wavelengths ensuring these lenses are the best on the market.

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Why Do Group Activities For Your Company, Club, Society or School?

Tallington Lakes, as a multi-purpose outward bound venue is ideal for those of you wanting an action packed experience. In winter our focus turns to the slopes and the wall, with team-building chucked in for good measure. But in the summer, with the water no longer spine-numbingly cold, try your hand at everything the water sports centre has to offer. Our dry slope is the largest in the area at 120m, and with a 15m climbing wall to boot we have something for every adrenaline junkie. Prefer the tranquillity of our lakes? Our 7 lakes cover 205 acres; a haven for herons, school children, and big kids alike.

Our sessions ensure a team experience, tailored learning and, most importantly, fun; ensuring that kids don’t get bored, and yet learn something to boot. We welcome elective groups, after school clubs, extracurricular activity groups; you name it we have catered for it.

team building challenge
Team building challenge – ‘bridge the gap’.

Not a school? Think we prohibit adults? Think again. Here at Tallington we tailor our sessions to the participants; think our climbing wall is a breeze, try out our hardest route on the wall where the height will be the least of your worries. Think you can ski? Try snowboarding instead. And for an adrenaline rush take a ride on our jet skis, waterski’s, wakeboards or banana boat.

A big company and want exclusivity? You can hire a lake, if water sports are your thing, or hire out the slope if you prefer to stay dry. Want a bonding post activity lunch, dinner or drink? Rent out the function room at Tallington Lakes’ waterside bar. And need somewhere to sleep at night, rent one of our caravans or camp from £5 per person per night.

Want to pick your activities? Not a problem. Here at Tallington Lakes we not only tailor make unique timetables for you but we offer a group discount for the pleasure. Our group’s prices vary according to activity and group size however, essentially, the more people you bring the lower our prices dip (all prices are per person per hour). And for further discounts, how about a multiple activity day? Two hours or more of different activities qualify for a lower per person rate.

We pride ourselves on attracting groups from far and wide, and our standards ensure that we have a large return client-base.

Whether you are looking to get your school group up to scratch pre-ski trip, or just want some team-bonding; here at Tallington Lakes there is something for everyone. With winter setting in we are now open till 9.30pm, ideal for some post-work weekday bonding under the floodlights. Speak to myself; Tallington Lakes’ group coordinator today and book your session.

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Our Experts Guide To 2015 Season’s Best Snow Jackets

Picked up a ski or snowboard jacket recently and been faced with a list of technical terms which suggest an awesome snow jacket but never known what they mean?

Critically taped seams…check. High waterproof and breathability rating…check. ‘Unique’ insulation technologies…check. Except every good ski jacket boasts these stats, how do you tell them apart?

Critically or fully taped seams?

The difference is determined by the positioning of the waterproof taping. In critically taped seams, the seams which are most critical to the waterproofing of the jacket are sealed; fantastic! But if you want guaranteed protection go for a fully taped seam, such as the Salmon Supernova, where every seam, no matter where it is, is sealed; piece of mind when in grim conditions.

Confused by the waterproof and breathability rating?

Waterproofing is determined by how many millimetres of rain a garment can withstand over 24 hours. Waterproofing is then assured by the sealed taped seams.
Meanwhile breathability is measured in grams and is determined by the number of grams of water vapour, i.e. sweat or condensation, which can pass through a square metre of the fabric over 24 hours. The higher the rating, the lower the humidity build up is.
The two numbers are often compared in order to represent the overall performance of the fabric. Above 10,000 the jacket will keep you dry in all but the severest conditions.

Added extras?

Pit Zips: underarm vents
Gaiters: those little bits of material at the wrists which are tight to the skin limiting exposure to the elements
Insulation: the amount of insulation per square metre, the higher the number, you guessed it… get the highest number you can afford

Of course every reputable technical ski brand boasts their own innovative technology which makes their jacket the best of the best with all reputable brands having the waterproofing/breathability/insulation down to a competitive level. So, to make your life simpler, our instructor’s have picked out the best of the bunch for you, with four of the best 2015 jackets for this season (and 1 sale must have).

Salomon Supernova Red Snow Jacket

All of our instructors recommend the Salomon Supernova Red Snow Jacket 2015, for fit and value for money. While it is a higher end jacket, at £219.99, the Supernova boasts excellent technical ratings which rival any top end jacket. With Advanced Skin Dry fabric technology, 10 000mm/10 000g and Advanced Insulation at 100g/m2, an air vent system with mesh backing and 100% taped seams, as well as a tight, but active fit, this Salomon jacket offers maximum comfort with the technicality to match.

Oakley Nighthawk Biozone Olive Snow Jacket

oakley snow jacket
Oakley snow jacket for skiing or snowboarding

At the top end, we recommend the Oakley Nighthawk Biozone Olive Snow Jacket 2015. At £264.99, this is the jacket at the top of our instructors’ wish list. It is a jacket from Oakley’s Pro Rider range and boasts Oakley’s hydrogauge 15 technology ensuring that this jacket features optimum waterproofing and breathability. What does hydrogauge 15 technology mean, I hear you ask? It ensures that moisture is blocked out while ensuring maximum ventilation. In combination with the in-built BioZone technology, Oakley targets the three essentials for any ski jacket: moisture management, insulation, and comfort. Oakley’s jacket is unique in also offering underarm zip vents with mesh inserts which leads to a custom fit jacket; make your ventilation unique to you! Finally, with the essential critically taped seams, waterproofing is assured.

Volcom’s Shadowhill Thermonite Green Snow Jacket

For a cheaper, yet highly efficient jacket, our instructors recommend Volcom’s Shadowhill Thermonite Green Snow Jacket 2015 at £169.99. Volcom is often overlooked when in competition with the well known makes of Oakley and Helly Hansen. While less technical than its counterparts, the waterproof and breathability rating of 15 000mm/10 000g actually rivals our instructors top choice, the Saloman Supernova, meaning this jacket is not one to be sniffed at. Also boasting 40g low-loft insulation, critically taped seams, and fleece lining, this Volcom jacket ensures a competitive comfort level which can only be rivalled by the top end jackets. With an eye-catching turquoise and lime green colour scheme, this jacket will ensure
that you stand out from the crowd.

O’Neill Women’s Almandine Pink Snow Jacket

oneill womens snow jacket
O’Neill women’s snow jacket for skiing or snowboarding jacket.

And for women? Try our O’Neill Women’s Almandine Pink Snow Jacket 2015. A regular fit, the pink herringbone print fabric has 8 000mm/8 000g waterproofing and breathability. It also includes O’Neill’s new ‘Firewall’ thermal insulator lining. By mapping the warmest parts of the upper body during activity, O’Neill developed area specific insulation to target the parts of the upper body which are most prone to heat loss. This unique firewall technology ensures this cheaper jacket, at £149.99, stands out from the crowd.

Volcom Women’s Clove Black Women’s Ski Jacket.

5) And finally, if you are looking for a sale item that rivals them all, buy Volcom’s Clove Black Women’s Ski Jacket 2013 . Reduced from £174.83 to £87.41, this is an excellent technical jacket with 10 000mm/10 000g waterproofing and breathability and critically taped seams. And while it isn’t ‘this’ season, it has all the technology you need to stay warm and dry on the slopes at a fraction of the price.

Whatever your price range, hopefully this article proves that here at Tallington Lakes Pro Shop we have an outstanding jacket for everyone.

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Up and Coming Ski Brand Picture Organic Clothing

Think of ski brands and Helly Hansen probably comes to mind, but have you heard of Picture Organic Clothing? Probably not. Launched by friends Jeremy, Julien, and Vincent, Picture has remained relatively undiscovered outside of France and Switzerland since its launch in 2008. But from 2013 all that changed when they were awarded Gold winner of the ski and snowboard outerwear category with their 100% recyclable Welcome Jacket at the internationally acclaimed tradeshow, ISPO. The victory cemented Picture’s international reputation as a brand which produced technically excellent gear, with the eco-friendly ethos to match.

Technical Snow Jacket And Pants

All technical snow jacket and pants are made of at least 50% recycled polyester, all their products are made out of biological cotton certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and all their products are certified OEKO TEX 100. What does this mean for you? Picture products fit the strict standards of outerwear required of textile companies, excel technically, and are 100% recyclable.

Where does Tallington Lakes come in? Picture’s 2015 range has just entered our Pro Shop, the only store in the area selling their products. Their jackets are 10k/10k certified for breathability and waterproofing, seams are critically tapered, and their thermal dry system is second to none. There is 40% recycled polyester in the men’s, and 47% recycled polyester in the women’s range, and with ski/snowboard pants to match, there is a style for everyone.

four different styles of picture organic clothing
Picture Organic Clothing: Sydney, Park Avenue and Royale!

Picture prides itself on being a cost-effective alternative to non-eco friendly products, competitively matching the current market. Prices range from £179.99 for the women’s ski pants, to £219.99 for the men’s jacket. Men, choose from their Park Avenue range in Grey and Fluo Green, or the Royale range in black. Women, pick from their Sydney range in Prune or Dark Blue. Picture’s products match their ethos; to protect the slopes while you ride them. Invest in the future and buy Picture Organic Clothing here at Tallington Lakes Pro Shop

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Wearing Black In The Sun

It has been thought that wearing a white in the sun will keep us cool because white reflects the heat, and wearing black in the sun make us hot? This to a certain degree (wearing white will keep us cool) is correct until you start thinking about two other factors; the heat from our own bodies and UV protection.

black t-shirt and white t-shirt
Whether to wear a black or a white t-shirt in the sun?

White T-Shirt Or Black T-Shirt

In actual fact to dress for hot weather we should probably be taking cues from the Bedouin who wear loose black robes. The way that white t-shirts are constructed in comparison to a darker tee is differentiated by the dye that is applied and the material. A darker material is obtained by the introduction of dyes to the material which absorb more UV rays than the simple white cotton, which is generally just bleached from the original natural colouring of the fabric to get the fresh white consistency. The white material often has more holes than a heavily dyed fabric which is why you often see the same styled shirts with a different Ultraviolet Protect Factor (UPF) rating. The type and thickness of fabric will make a difference; for instance a thick heavy woolen fabric, like a Bedouin would wear, would have a higher UPF rating than a thin cotton white tee. However, there is something to be said that although useful in terms of UV protection I’m sure that not all of us want to be walking around in thick heavy woolen clothes. Therefore a compromise would be a cotton/polyester tee; but make sure you choose a black tee over a white tee when thinking about UV protection.

Body Heat

So back to the original question, wearing a white t-shirt in the sun will keep us cool because white reflects the heat. Correct, until you start thinking about your body heat which in fact is a lot closer to the t-shirt than the sun. Yes, white will reflect more heat than black but it will also reflect the heat from your body back towards your body. In the case of a darker material, yes this will absorb the energy from the sun but will also absorb the heat from your own body a lot more consequently keeping you cooler. This paired with a loose fitting black tee allows cooler air to enter from underneath and with heat evaporation from the top, in entirety this creates an air flow and therefore results in cooling the body. Plus if you think about it if the only reason not to wear a black t-shirt is because they get hot due to absorbing the heat from the sun, having a loose fitting t-shirt is also going to reduce the amount that the fabric touches the body.

In conclusion, not only will a darker dyed fabric give you a better UV protection than a lighter material but also in the case of a loose fitting fabric cools you down more too. So forget everything you’ve previously thought, some scientist somewhere has proved this correct, and they even said so on QI – which means it is definitely true!

So you can wear black in the sun! Plus black is slimming anyway right….?

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Drowning Prevention Week 21-29 June

Saturday is the start of The Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS) Drowning Prevention Week. To help promote the event Tallington Lakes staff have been wearing one of the RLSS bright yellow swim hats or #TopHat during the many water sports activities available at the lakes!

Jets king with rlss tophat

Having spent a few days at the lakes the #TopHat boarded a plane to Georgia, USA to spread the word stateside! Who knows where it will end up?

rlss #tophat in usa

Please check out our water safety guide and make sure you have a safe summer!

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Buying A Wetsuit Guide

If like us you enjoy your Watersports; then water temperature will play an important part! With British water temperatures ranging from below a chilly 15°C to a warm 20°C, and the body loosing 30 times more body heat in water than in air, buying a wetsuit is a necessary piece of kit. However, you must choose an appropriate wetsuit, which fits, for it to work.

Buying A Wetsuit

To help choose the correct wetsuit it essential to know what you are going to be doing in it, what time of year it will be used, how much you’re plan on using it, and finally a realistic budget. If you are looking to spend only a few hours every week, in the hottest days of summer, it’s likely you will get away with an entry-level suit. However if you plan on riding in the coldest of conditions, all year round, then a thicker more technical suit will probably be necessary.

However, either wetsuit will need to fit correctly for it to work. Basically a wetsuit is made from neoprene which is made up of thousands of tiny air bubbles; these air bubbles create an insulating barrier to keep you warm. An ill-fitting suit will be prone to flushing (keeps re- filling with cold water) because water enters the suit from the neck, sleeves or ankles. This will instantly decrease your body temperature and shorten your time in the water. Also a poor fitting wetsuit will restrict mobility and prevent you from participating in your water sport effectively.

Summer Wetsuits

Summer suits are typically made from a combination of 3mm and 2mm neoprene across the core and limbs, respectively, to give the best balance of warmth and flexibility. Buying a short sleeve or leg wetsuit (shorty) is a personal preference and will most likely be a decision based on activity. The wetsuit is constructed with flat-lock stitching to prevent chaffing, and various design/construction methods give the suits a different degree of stretch and conformability; such as lady specific wetsuits.

lady surfer in summer wetsuit walking on the beach
Ladies summer wetsuit © O’Neill

Winter Wetsuits

Winter suits are designed for warmth; this of course involves using a thicker cut of neoprene to trap more air. Most winter suits are constructed with 5mm panels on the torso to maintain core temperature and 3mm on the limbs for better movement. Seams in-between the neoprene are often welded using a special rubber bonding solution to prevent any water flushing; which essential when the water is sub 10°C.

surfer sat in the sea
Winter wetsuit © O’Neill

What size Wetsuit Am I?

To help get the right fit we suggest you measure your height, waist, chest and weight and use the appropriate brand’s size guide; because they know what they are talking about!

Wearing A Wetsuit

This applies to anyone buying any type of wetsuit no matter what time of the year. There are a few simple rules we like to follow to make sure that you are wearing the wetsuit correctly. At the end of the day only you can tell if the wetsuit is comfortably snug, but here are some tell-tale signs of a good fit:

  • Kneepads: Make sure that the centre of the kneepad is position directly over the kneecap, not doing this can lead to tightness over the shoulders.
  • Crotch: You must work as much material you can from your legs inch by inch up to your waist so that there is not a gap in the crotch of the suit. This would hold water and cause the suit to sit too low.
  • Sleeves: The end of the sleeve doesn’t have to sit on the wrist! However it is important that the shoulder of the suit is located correctly over your shoulder, by working the sleeves up inch by inch.
  • Zip: Don’t make the ‘schoolboy error’ of putting the suit on the wrong way round. If the zip is vertical it will need to be at the back; and if the zip is horizontal near the top it will need to be at the front. You shouldn’t have to pull the zip cord too hard to do it up; but if you not a yoga master and are struggling to reach the zip – just ask someone for a helping hand.
  • Neck: All done up in your suit but you still feel like there is some tension pulling down on your neck? It might be that you have to work some more material up from the waist up to your shoulders. Once this is all done you should have good movement in your neck and shoulders with little restriction.
  • Lumbar: I you can get someone to grab the material at the base of your spine/lumbar and they can grab an inch or more the suit is likely to be too big. What will happen is that water will pool in this area and cool your body – we suggest you try the next size down.

This wetsuit guide will help you fit a suit correctly, but if unsure come in-store and try some on.

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What Are Stretchy Boardshorts?

Board shorts, trunks, swim shorts, boardies, surf trunks, jammers, swim trunks; you can call them what you want but at the end of the day if its performance and comfort you crave then stretchy boardshorts are the answer!

Obviously if you are just sunbathing the only requirement of your boardshorts is they look good! However if you participating in a watersport activity such as wakeboarding, water skiing or surfing you be expecting a bit more from your boardies.

Stretchy Boardshorts

Unlike traditional board shorts made from 100% polyester, the latest boardies are typically polyester mixed with between 5-15% elastane, spandex or lycra. This allows the material to stretch and gives a greater range of movement. The amount of stretch varies and generally the more you pay the more stretch you get; so how much stretch do you get?

rip curl surfer wearing boardshorts

2-Way Stretch

This allows for stretch in only one directional plane and will provide comfort and movement for those on a tighter budget. Check out the Hurley Surface boardshort.

4-way stretch

Multi-direction stretch for a free feeling; these boardshort will move with you whatever direction you take. This is the benchmark in stretch fabrics, providing ultimate performance and comfort. Check out the Ripcurl Mirage or Hurley Phantom boardies.

6 way stretch

Don’t worry these will not contort you into positions you don’t want to be! Generally these board shorts will comprise of different panels of 2-way and 4-way stretch material. Not sure whether this better than 4-way; but generally the front panel may be 2-way while the back 4-way! Check out the Volcom V6 Pixelator shorts.

Other features may include hydrophobic coatings. Yes you are in water, so of course your shorts are going to get wet, but they don’t have to stay that way. A Hydrophobic coating on the material means that it doesn’t hold onto as much water, so once you are out of the water they dry much faster. Taped seams are more durable and provide a chafe free seam for superb long lasting comfort, such as the O’Neill Hydro Freak boardshorts.

And here’s a chance to win yourself a pair of boardshorts!

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How To Be Safe Near Water.

It’s summer time! A time for sunbathing, sport and splashing about in the water. But a campaign by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is serving to remind people that families need to keep safe near the water to ensure fun doesn’t turn to tragedy,
Drowning Prevention Week is a national campaign that aims to reduce the number of drowning and near drowning incidences that occur in the UK by showing people how to be safe near water.

Drowning is the 3rd highest cause of accidental death in children in the UK. Around 400 people accidentally drown in the UK every year with thousands more have near drowning experiences , many resulting in life changing injuries.

The awareness raising campaign (this year running from 21-29 June) is predominantly aimed at children, and throughout the week water safety is promoted in schools, leisure centres, local communities, businesses and widely through the media.

A host of free resources that help to deliver water safety messages are available on their website www.drowningpreventionweek.org.uk, such as an animated film, interactive dames, children’s activities, leaflets, lesson plans and pool session ideas.

drowning prevention week 21-29 june 2014

The campaign also hopes to raise money to help develop the charity’s year round drowning prevention work.

 

RLSS UK believe that if everyone knew and understood the SAFE code and made small changes to their behaviour near water, we could cut down the number of preventable, accidental drowning deaths.

How To Be Safe Near Water SAFE Code:

Spot – Spot the dangers
• Check for hazards such as currents or deep water
• Consider what could be hidden under the water
• Be careful of unsafe banks, stay well back from the edge

Advice – Take advice
• Always read the signs
• Only swim where there is a lifeguard
• Wear buoyancy aids and life jackets
Friend – Go with a friend
• Always swim with friends or family
• Friends can get help
• Never swim alone

Emergency – Know what to do in an emergency
• Find the nearest phone and call 999
• Shout loudly to attract attention
• Never enter the water to save someone

For more information, contact dpw@rlss.org.uk.

royal life saving society uk

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